Results of the latest tests on Twin Harbors beaches, including Westport, Grayland and North Cove, mean that recreational razor clam digging will not open here any time soon due to levels of domoic acid that remain above the action level.
The lack of clam digging openers here has had a devastating effect on the local economy this winter. Businesses depend heavily on recreational clamming to help them through the slow tourism season.
Latest tests
Before a beach can be opened for the harvest of razor clams, state Department of Health protocol requires that all razor clam samples collected from that beach must test under the action level of 20 ppm for domoic acid; 80 µg/100g for Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (SP); and 16 µg/100g for Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP) on both of the two required sample collections.
Testing of clam meat tissue will continue on these beaches, but, according to Dan Ayres, WDFW Coastal Shellfish Lead Biologist, there is no prediction when digging might open locally.
The following samples were collected on either Feb. 22 or Feb. 23 and announced by the state Department of Health on Feb. 26:
Twin Harbors Area XH (north)
domoic acid - 20 ppm
PSP - none detected
DSP - results pending
Twin Harbors Area CL (middle)
domoic acid - 32 ppm
PSP - none detected
DSP - results pending
Twin Harbors Area G (south)
domoic acid - 37 ppm
PSP - none detected
DSP - results pending
Other open beaches
Despite the Twin Harbors beaches closures, there is clam digging to be had— but you’ll have to log some miles to do so. Below is information on other coastal clam digging opportunities:
Long Beach
Digging will be allowed at Long Beach every day through March 31, with opportunities alternating on morning and afternoon tides as follows:
• Through March 10 - P.M. tides only
• March 11 through March 14 - A.M. tides only
• March 15 through 23 - P.M. tides only
• March 24 through March 31 - A.M. tides only
Mocrocks
Open March 5 through 8, with digging allowed on P.M tides only
Copalis
Scheduled to be open March 18 through 20 to coincide with the Ocean Shores Razor Clam Festival. This opening is pending final marine toxin results.